Method and system for establishing a communication network

ABSTRACT

A communication device is provided having a transceiver adapted to send and receive wireless communication signals and a contact surface. A contact circuit is adapted to detect contact of another communication device with said contact surface. A controller is adapted to enable communication only between the communication device and detected communication devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/238,134 filed Sep. 10,2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to wireless communication systems and inparticular, to a method for establishing an ad hoc network between twoor more communication devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While out socializing with a group, it is rare to have total agreementamongst its members as to which activities the members of the group areto be involved in, often smaller groups based on interests form. Thesesmaller groups are typically short lived and exist only for the durationof an event such as a visit to an amusement park or sporting event. Themembers of such groups often wish to be able to communicate exclusivelywith the members of the small group during the event.

Various communication systems and devices exist that permit theformation of a network of wireless communication devices. Cellulartelephones, two-way pagers, and wireless personal digital assistants canbe used to permit communications between members of a group. However,using such existing devices, it is often very difficult to establish,maintain, use and terminate an ad-hoc network.

For example, the user of a cellular telephone can create an ad hocnetwork by obtaining phone numbers for other cellular telephones andarranging for a three-way or conference call. However, such a networkcannot be established rapidly. Further such a network requires that thepermanent identification numbers that are associated with each phone beshared with others. This permits anyone who has access to theidentification number to attempt to call the holder of the phone. Thus,many users of cellular telephones are reluctant to share their telephonenumbers with others with whom they may have only an ad hoc need tocommunicate.

It is also known to provide video cameras and monitors that communicatein a wireless fashion using multiple channels and code encryption toreduce the possibility of signal confusion and unauthorized monitoringof the channel. For example, in JP10145637 what is shown is a videocamera and monitor that are adapted to exchange video in a wirelessfashion. Before installation of the camera, the camera and monitor arejoined by a wire connector and identification codes are exchanged. Theuse of the wire connection to exchange codes eliminates the risk ofinterception of the codes that is associated with exchanging the codeswirelessly. This exchange of identification codes however, can betedious to execute where multiple devices must be registered for mutualcommunication.

Alternatively, other types of communication devices such as theTalkabout (R) system sold by Motorola Corporation Schaumburg, Ill.provide simple access to one or more open communication channels. Anynumber of members can form a network on such a channel. Communicationsare encoded using one of a plurality of predefined codes. Each user in anetwork selects the same channel/code combination. Access tocommunications is restricted because each device has multiplecommunication channels with multiple codes that can be used. This makesit unlikely that a surreptitious listener will obtain the proper channeland code combination to listen to a particular communication. Thismethod too can be inconvenient to execute because each member of thegroup must manually adjust for channel and code.

Other known wireless specifications and formats such as for example, theBluetooth standard that is based upon Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers standard 802.11b permit the formation of ad hocnetworks. Bluetooth requires that a low-cost digital radio frequencytransceiver chip be included in each communication device to be used ina network. Each device has a unique 48-bit address. Using the unique48-bit address, connections between communication devices can be quicklymade. Such connections can be in a point-to-point or multi-pointfashion. Bluetooth provides secure communications using a scheme ofpublic and private encryption keys. Bluetooth devices have acommunication range of about 10 meters. Each Bluetooth device uses aninquiry procedure to discover which other Bluetooth enabledcommunication devices are in range and to determine the addresses forthe devices. The inquiry procedure involves a unit sending out inquirypackets. If another unit that is in range is in an appropriate state toreceive the inquiry packets, the other unit will enter an inquiryresponse state and send an inquiry reply to the source. After theinquiry procedure has completed, a connection can be established using apaging procedure. It will be appreciated that using such a systemrequires a continual cycle of inquiries and responses. Such a systemcreates difficulties in that it allows for unwanted connections to beformed. These unwanted connections must be filtered out or otherwisesorted. It can be difficult for a novice user to separate desirableconnections from undesirable connections.

Thus, what is needed is an apparatus and a method for establishing an adhoc network in a rapid and effective fashion. There is a further needfor an apparatus and method that permits a user to privately communicatewith members of an ad-hoc network in a simple and easy to understandmanner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A communication device is provided having a transceiver adapted to sendand receive wireless communication signals and a contact surface. Acontact circuit is adapted to detect contact of another communicationdevice with said contact surface. A controller is adapted to enablecommunication only between the communication device and detectedcommunication devices.

In another aspect what is provided is a communication system. Thecommunication system has at least two communication devices. Eachcommunication device has a transceiver adapted to send and receiveinformation using radio frequency signals said transceiver having anaddress, a camera to capture images, and a display adapted images. Eachcommunication device also has a contact surface adapted to detectcontact between the contact surface of the communication device and acontact surface of another of the at least two communication devices;and a controller adapted to determine an address list containing theaddress of each transceiver of each detected communication device. Eachcontroller is operable to enable communication only with communicationdevices having an address on the address list.

In a further aspect what is provided is a method for forming a wirelesscommunication network between at least two communication devices eachhaving a contact surface. In accordance with the method, the contactsurface of one communication device is moved into contact with thecontact surface of at least one other communication device. Contactbetween the contact surfaces are registered. Communication betweencommunication devices is limited to communication between communicationdevices having registered contact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a communication system in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a method for forming an ad hoc networkin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates various embodiments of communication devices of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a device personalization process;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a network formation step;

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of one embodiment of a communication deviceof the present invention to transmit a video signal to othercommunication devices in an ad hoc network;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of a method forforming and expanding an ad hoc network;

FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a communication device display showing aprofile entry screen having a first user's preferences entered;

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a communication device display showing aprofile entry screen having a second user's preferences entered;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for forming an adhoc network at an event;

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of an event profile entry screen;

FIGS. 12 a-12 b illustrate other examples of the formation of an ad hocnetwork; and

FIG. 13 illustrates sending a video message using the ad hoc network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a simple embodiment of acommunication system 10 is shown. In this embodiment, a plurality oflike communication devices 20 a-20 n are provided. Each of thecommunication devices 20 a-20 n has a radio transceiver 22 and antenna24. Radio transceiver 22 is adapted to transmit and receive radiofrequency signals carrying digital data containing text, audio and videocommunications. In one useful embodiment, radio transceiver 22 isadapted to communicate using the high rate consumer wirelesscommunication standard defined in Institute of Electrical and ElectronicEngineers standard IEEE 802.15.3. In other embodiments radio transceiver22, can be adapted to communicate using the standards set forth inInstitute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers standard IEEE 802.11b.Alternatively, radio transceiver 22 can employ any useful radiofrequency communication scheme to send and receive data. Radiotransceiver 22 can be adapted to transmit communication signals directlyto others of communication devices 20 a-20 n. Alternatively, radiotransceiver 22 can transmit signals to other communication devices byway of a separate intermediary communication site 90 such as, forexample, a cellular tower, satellite, wireless repeater, or by way ofother communication devices.

Radio transceiver 22 is also adapted to cooperate with antenna 24 toreceive digital radio frequency signals from other devices. The digitalradio frequency data is converted into digital data. The digital data istransferred to controller 26 and converted into digital data.

Each one of communication devices 20 a-20 n comprises a controller 26.Controller 26 can comprise, for example, a general-purpose programmablemicroprocessor such as a Pentium microprocessor sold by Intel Corp. ofSan Jose, Calif., U.S.A., a microcontroller, or other similar controldevice adapted to control the operation of the communication device 20in which it is installed. In the embodiment shown, controller 26 isadapted to prepare data representing the content of communications toconvey the data to radio transceiver 22 and to cause radio transceiver22 to transmit data. In addition, controller 26 is adapted to receivesignals containing data from radio transceiver 22 and to process thisdata for use as described herein. Further, each controller 26 controlsthe operation of the communication device in which it is installed.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each one of communication devices 20 a-20 nincorporates a video communication system 28. Video communication system28 comprises a lens system 30, image sensor 32, image processor 34,memory 36, display driver 40 and video display 42. Images are capturedby passing light from a scene through lens system 30. This light isfocused on image sensor 32. Image sensor 32 forms an electronic signalthat is representative of the light that is focused on image sensor 32.Image sensor 32 can take on a variety of forms. For example, chargecoupled devices can be used, as can complementary metal oxide basedsensors and charge injection devices. Other imaging technologies canalso be used for image sensor 32. Images that are captured by imagesensor 32 are transmitted as electronic signals to an image processor34. Image processor 34 is adapted to receive electronic signals fromimage sensor 32 and to convert the electronic signal into digital datarepresenting the image captured by image sensor 32. The digital datarepresenting the image can then be transferred to a memory 36 which cancomprise a semiconductor memory such as a Flash Memory or other form ofRandom Access Memory, a magnetic memory such as a disk drive or anoptical memory such as a compact disk or digital video disk. The digitaldata representing the image can also be transmitted to a display driver40 which converts the digital data into signals that cause a videodisplay 42 such as a liquid crystal display or organic light emittingdisplay to present the captured image to the user. Digital datarepresenting the image can also be provided to radio transceiver 22.Radio transceiver 22 converts the digital data into a digital radiofrequency signal which is transmitted using antenna 24.

Radio transceiver 22 also receives digital radio frequency signals fromother of communication devices 20 a-20 n containing digital video databy way of antenna 24. The digital radio frequency data is converted intodigital data. The digital data is transferred to controller 26 andconverted into digital image data. The digital image data is transferredto display driver 40 and converted into images that are viewable onvideo display 42.

Video communication system 28 can also be used for displaying contentother than captured images. For example, controller 26 can use videocommunication system 28 to present icons and text images on videodisplay 42 that indicate the status of the communication device. Videocommunication system 28 can also be used to also display the content ofcommunications such as text and iconic messages received from other ofcommunication devices 20 a-20 n.

One or more of the components of video communication system 28 can beintegrated onto a single silicon substrate. For example, image sensor 32can be formed on a semiconductor having a “camera on chip” typearchitecture wherein a single semiconductor substrate providesstructures to perform image sensing, image processing, image storagefunctions. One example of such a camera on a chip is the OVT7635 CameraChip™ sold by Omnivision Technologies of Santa Clara, Calif., U.S.A. Analternative example of a camera-on-a-chip architecture found in theCOACH LC and COACH II image processors sold by Zoran Corp. of SantaClara, Calif., U.S.A., which incorporate image processing, memory,memory management, display control and other functions on a singlesubstrate. In this way, the cost and complexity of communication devices20 a-20 n can be reduced.

Each of communication devices 20 a-20 n also has an audio system 50 thatis adapted to capture and generate audio signals. In the embodimentshown, sound input is entered by way of microphone 52. Microphone 52converts acoustical energy from the sound input into an electronicsignal. This electronic signal is transmitted to A/D converter 54 thatrenders digital signals representing the sound. Controller 26 receivesthe digital signals representing the sound. Controller 26 processesthese signals for storage in memory 36 or for use by radio transceiver22.

Radio frequency signals containing audio data are received by radiotransceiver 22. Radio transceiver 22 extracts digital data from radiofrequency signals and provides this digital data to controller 26. Aswill be discussed in greater detail below, controller 26 processes thisdata if necessary and provides a stream of digital audio data to A/Dconverter 54. A/D converter 54 converts the data into an analog signalthat is provided to speaker 56 which in turn converts the analog signalinto acoustical energy.

Communication devices 20 a-20 n each have a user interface 60 thatpermits a user to encode numbers, text, and other forms of communicationinto electronic signals that are transmitted to controller 26.Controller 26 converts these electronic signals into digital data whichcan then be used to control the operation of the communication device,transmitted using radio transceiver 22, stored in memory 36 and/ordisplayed on display driver 40.

Communication devices 20 a-20 n each have a contact detection system 70with a contact surface 72 and a contact circuit 74. Each contact circuit74 registers contact between the contact surface 72 of one ofcommunication devices 20 a-20 n and the contact surface 72 of at leastone other one of communication devices 20 a-20 n. When such contact isregistered, each contact circuit 74 transmits a signal to its respectivecontroller 26 indicating that such contact has been made. Eachcontroller 26 then defines at least one mode of operation in which theprocessor communicates only with the set of communication devices 20a-20 n with which the contact surface 72 has had contact. A user ofcommunication device 20 a or communication device 20 b can select thisad hoc network mode of communication using for example, user interface60. User interface 60 comprises any known transducer for converting auser action into a signal that can be transmitted to controller 26.Examples of such a transducer include a switch, dial, stylus, mouse,joystick, potentiometer, visible or non-visible light sensor or imager.User interface 60 can also have transducers that convert instructionsinto signals that can be interpreted by controller 26. User interface 60can be combined with display 42 in the form of a touch screen or likedevice.

Contact circuit 74 can detect contact between a contact surface 72 towhich it is connected and another contact surface of anothercommunication device in a variety of ways. For example, where contactsurface 72 and the other contact surface are electrically conductive,each contact circuit 74 can cause an electromagnetic field to form oncontact surface 72. When contact surface 72 is in contact with anothercontact surface, the electromagnetic fields combine. By monitoring theintensity, waveform, or signal content on each contact surface 72 eachcontact circuit 74 can detect when contact surface 72 is in contact withanother contact surface. Other electromagnetic methods for detectingcontact can be used. For example, contact between two contact surfacescan be detected by noting variations in capacitance, electrostaticcharge, and/or inductance at the contact surface. Electro-mechanicalstructures can also be used to register contact between two contactsurfaces, such as vibrational, sonic or ultra sonic signal generatorsand detectors. Electro-optical detection structures can also be used,for example, when a contact surface 72 of, for example, communicationdevice 20 a is brought into contact with a contact surface 72 of secondcommunication device, e.g., 20 b, the contact surfaces can bemechanically moved, deflected and/or otherwise mechanically changed. Inthis example, contact circuit 74 determines these changes and causes aparticular light to emit. Contact circuit 74 detects light of the typeemitted in response to contact and determines that contact has been madewith another communication device.

In one embodiment, a network identification signal is used to regulatecommunication between contacted communication devices. In thisembodiment, when contact is registered between the contact circuit 74 ofcommunication device 20 a and the contact surface 72 of communicationdevice 20 b, the controller 26 of communication device 20 a and thecontroller 26 of communication device 20 b determine a networkidentification signal that is used to designate communications that areintended for exchange between communication device 20 a andcommunication device 20 b. The network identification signal cancomprise any mutually agreed upon signal. Conveniently the useridentification signal can comprise or be derived from useridentifications such as a user name or user identification image. Whenthe user of, for example, communication device 20 a wishes tocommunicate with the user of communication device 20 b, the user placescommunication device 20 a in the ad hoc network communication mode. Theuser of communication device 20 a then captures data, voice, or a videosignal, which is processed by controller 26 and converted into a signalthat is transmitted to radio transceiver 22. This signal includes thenetwork identification signal. The signal received by radio transceiver22 of communication device 20 a is then converted into a broadcastsignal and transmitted using antenna 24 of communication device 20 a.

In this example, antenna 24 of communication device 20 b receivesbroadcast signals and provides them to radio transceiver 22 ofcommunication device 20 b. Radio transceiver 22 converts the broadcastsignals into digital data that is transmitted to controller 26.Controller 26 scans the digital data generated by radio transceiver 22in response to each broadcast signal to identify the presence of anetwork identification signal. Where a network identification signal isidentified in the digital data that is not known to controller 26,controller 26 ignores the broadcast signal. Where the digital datacontains a network identification signal that is known to controller 26,controller 26 decodes the digital data and provides signals to videocommunication system 28 and/or audio communication system 50 which,generate audio and video signals representative of the content of thecommunication broadcast by communication device 20 a. Signals that aretransmitted without an associated network identification signal arepresumed to be public in nature.

Communication device 20 b can have a controller 26 that ignorescommunications that are transmitted without a network identificationsignal. Alternatively, communication device 20 b can have a controller26 that is operative in a mode that renders output based on thecommunications that are transmitted with and without a networkidentification signal. In the embodiment shown, communication device 20b has a controller 26 that is selectively operable in both the mode ofignoring communications that are transmitted with a networkidentification signal and the mode of rendering an output based oncommunications that are transmitted without a network identificationsignal. In another embodiment, the network identification signal canalso be used as an encryption code to prevent surreptitious interceptionof communications transmitted using the network identification signal.

In another other embodiment, communication devices 20 a-20 n are adaptedto communicate using a wireless local area network communication schemesuch as Bluetooth. As is noted above, using Bluetooth each radiotransceiver 22 has a unique 48-bit address. Connections betweenindividual devices are formed using the 48-bit address. Ad-hoc networkscan be formed between sets of individual devices by compiling a list ofall addresses and limiting networked communications to the devices onthe list. As is also noted above, each Bluetooth enabled devicecontinually scans all of the devices within its communication range toobtain addresses for potential use in future communications. When usedat an event such as a baseball game or soccer game, with thousands offans located in relatively close proximity, this approach couldpotentially garner hundreds of addresses from other devices that arewithin range. Sorting through the list of available devices to define anaddress list becomes particularly difficult under such circumstances.

In this embodiment, the set of communication devices 20 a-20 n to beincluded in the ad hoc network are identified on the basis of registeredcontact between the communication devices. When each of communicationdevices 20 a-20 n registers contact with another communication device,controller 26 of each communication device adds the address of the othercommunication device to a list of addresses. Ad hoc communications areenabled by limiting distribution of all communication using the ad hocnetwork to those devices whose 48-bit address is contained within thedistribution list.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a method forestablishing an ad hoc communication network using communication devices20 a-20 d. In a first step, a set of communication devices is provided(step 110). There are various ways that this can be done. For example, agroup of four takes a trip to the zoo. Two members of the group rentcommunication devices 20 a and 20 b at the zoo. The two other members ofthe group own their own personal communication devices shown in FIG. 3as communication devices 20 c and 2 d. Communication device 20 c is, forexample, incorporated into a cellular telephone while communicationdevice 20 d takes the form of a personal digital assistant. Both ofcommunication devices 20 c and 20 d are capable of operating in aconventional mode of communications associated with the device such asusing, for example, normal cellular telephone technology in the case ofcommunication device 20 c and a mode for communication using PDA typecommunications in the case of communication device 20 d. Each ofcommunication devices 20 c and 20 d is also capable of operating in amode of communication using an ad hoc network.

Each communication device is personalized (step 114). This can be donein various ways. FIG. 4 shows an illustration of the sequence ofcommunication device provided instructions that can be used topersonalize a communication device such as communication device 20 a. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 4, communication device 20 a provides awelcome message 130 and then provides an instruction message 132indicating that the personalization process is to be performed. In theembodiment shown, personalization is performed by capturing an image ofthe user of communication device 20 a. A sequence of messages 134, 136,138, 140, and 142 are presented to the user to indicate the countdownsequence before the image of the user will be captured. As is shown inFIG. 4, as the countdown begins, a preview image of the user 135 iscaptured and presented under the sequence of messages so that the usercan properly arrange user identification image 137 to be used torepresent the user. This image of course does not need to be an image ofthe user. Instead, the image can be an image of something representativeof the user such as a favored article of clothing or favoredphotographic subject. Alternatively, a user can enter otherpersonalization items such as a name, symbol, or other visible markingto represent the user of the device. In another alternative, a useridentification image or symbol can be obtained from an external sourceor device such as an external camera system, a ring or other type ofpersonal article having a memory capable of providing an identificationsignal and/or any other form of electronic memory such as a compactflash card or electronic memory. As will be described in greater detailbelow, the personalization step can also include entering a userprofile.

In one embodiment a user profile can also be determined in advance ofthe personalization step and stored in memory. The user profileinformation can then be extracted from memory. In another embodiment,the personalization step can be omitted. Where this is done, defaultprofile information can be used with each communication providing aunique identifier.

In any embodiment, a communication device such as communication device20 a can have a controller 26 that is adapted to modify the user profilebased upon the user's actual usage of the device to adapt the userprofile so that the communication device 20 a to match actual usagepatterns.

As shown in FIG. 5, each communication device 20 a-20 d incorporates acontact surface 74 a, 74 b, 74 c and 74 d respectively. To form an adhoc network between communication devices 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d, thecontact surfaces 74 a, 74 b, 74 c and 74 d are brought into contact forexample, in the manner shown in FIG. 5. Each communication device 20 a,20 b, 20 c and 20 d is adapted to provide feedback during this process.For example, audiovisual feedback can be provided to indicate that asuccessful connection has been made between two or more devices, that acontract registration process is successfully progressing, and when anetwork has been successfully formed—(step 118).

FIG. 5 also shows an example of such video feedback. As shown in FIG. 5,a first feedback image 150 is provided on each communication device inresponse to contact between contact surfaces 74 a, 74 b, 74 c, and 74 d.As registration occurs, a progress indicator 152 is provided on each ofvideo screens 42 a, 42 b, 42 c and 42 d. When the contract registrationprocess is complete, each communication device provides an image 154indicating successful completion of the formation of a network. In theembodiment shown, image 154 preferably incorporates each of the useridentification images, symbols and/or text associated with each user ofcommunication device from the users profile for external communicationthat has registered contact with communication device 20 a. It will beappreciated that in certain circumstances the step of personalizationcan be omitted. Where this is done default identification andpreferences can be used. This provides a positive feedback to ensurethat the users of communication devices 20 a-20 d will know who is inthe ad hoc network formed by this registration process and, therefore,they can make corrections as necessary to composition of the ad hocnetwork.

Once the ad hoc network is formed, the communication devices are used tocommunicate between members of a network (Step 120). FIG. 6 shows oneexample of this. In this example, the user of communication device 20 awishes to share an image of a scene 190 with the users of communicationdevices 20 b, 20 c and 20 d. To accomplish this, a user of communicationdevice 20 a uses user interface 60 a of communication device 20 a toindicate a desire to transmit a view. Communication device 20 a respondsto this by presenting user identifications for communication devices 20b, 20 c and 20 d as shown in FIG. 6 as view X. The user can select totransmit the image to one or all of communication devices 20 b, 20 c,and 20 d. In the example shown, the user of communication device 20 auses interface 60 a to designate that the image is to be sent to each ofcommunication devices 20 b, 20 c and 20 d. The image is then transmittedto communication devices 20 b, 20 c and 20 d. In this way, the user ofcommunication device 20 a confirms that the image will be sent only tothe desired members of the network prior to transmission of the image.

Communication devices 20 a-20 d can be used to communicate using anynumber of forms of communication including but not limited to videostill picture, text messaging, audio and/or icon or symbolic messaging.For example, files of recorded data such as recorded video files andtext files can also be exchanged. In certain embodiments, gaminginstructions, actions and other data can be exchanged. A user can usetext messaging to vote or otherwise determine possible joint activities,meeting times and/or other matters requiring mutual agreement. Forexample, someone could send a message asking “Is anyone else hungry forpizza?” User interface 60 can incorporate, for example, a yes/no buttonthat can be used to respond to such inquiries in a rapid and efficientfashion. Where this is done, controller 26 can be adapted to cause videodisplay 42 to present a running count of the responses.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of another method of creating an ad hocnetwork between a plurality of communication devices such as betweencommunication device 20 a and 20 d. As shown in FIG. 7 the steps ofobtaining devices (step 200) and personalizing the devices (step 202)are performed. The steps are generally performed in the manner describedabove. However, in this embodiment, the steps of personalization includethe step of entering a user profile. FIG. 8 shows one example of a userprofile entry screen that can be used in this embodiment. In thisembodiment the profile identifies the name of the user, in this example,Jenny, and identifies her user identification image. The user profilealso defines sharing characteristics. In this example, user 1 hasdesignated her user identification image and her preferred sharingmethod. She has also designated that her e-mail address will be providedto any communication device with which communication device 20 a hasregistered contact and that a screen resolution copy of heridentification image is to be provided. User 1, however, has not enabledtext messaging. Accordingly, other users will not be able to exchangemessages with user 1.

User 1 has chosen to allow her to be added to expanded distributionlists. User 1's election to be added to expanded distribution listsenables other users of an ad hoc network to add members to the networkwithout requiring such members to register contact with communicationdevice 20 a. It will be appreciated that this is an important feature inthat it allows an ad hoc network to be formed under circumstances whereall members of the network are not in the same place at the same time.User 1 has also elected to save a shared communication and other eventrelated content.

FIG. 9 shows a profile screen used by user 2 to enter a profile oncommunication device 20 b. Here too, the profile includes the name ofuser 2, in this example, Amy. However, user 2 has elected not to shareher e-mail address with other users. Accordingly, when a communicationdevice such as communication device 20 a registers contact withcommunication device 20 b, communication device 20 a will not displayAmy's picture. The name Amy will appear. User 2 has elected to permittext messaging but has not elected to allow her to be added to expandeddistribution lists. Any person wishing to communicate with Amy using thead hoc network is required to register contact with communication device20 b.

The profile screens shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 also incorporate a userprofile designation that permits a user to override the user's initialprofile selections. In the embodiment shown, user 1 has elected to allowmanual override of her selections. Thus, for example, if user 1 were toelect to attempt to send a text message, such an action would overrideher initial election not to send or receive text messages. However, ifas shown user 1 does not elect to allow her settings to be overridden,then she is foreclosed from sending and receiving text messages untilshe changes her election.

After profile elections have been made, an initial contact is registeredbetween communication devices 20 a and 20 b. This contact forms an adhoc network between communication devices 20 a and 20 b (step 204). Inthis example, because communication device 20 b has not authorizedcommunication device 20 a to add communication device 20 b to anyexpanded distribution lists, communication device 20 a cannot addmembers to the ad hoc network. Accordingly, to expand the network to addother communication devices, e.g. communication devices 20 c and 20 d tothe ad hoc network, communication device 20 b registers contact withcommunication devices 20 c and 20 d (step 206). If user 1 had elected topermit communication device 20 b to be added to extended distributionlists, then communication device 20 a could also add members to the adhoc network.

Once established, the ad hoc network can be used as is generallydescribed above to share video, still images, icons, text, symbols andaudio messages (step 208).

After its useful life, the ad hoc network is terminated (step 210). Thead hoc network can terminate at the request of a user of one of thecommunication devices, at the request of the majority of users, at apredetermined time, or at the end of an event or sequence of events. Theconditions giving rise to termination of the ad hoc network can bedefined using profiles or by manual control. The ad hoc network can bepermanently terminated or it can be temporarily terminated and laterre-established. Where the ad hoc network is permanently terminated,information regarding the ad hoc network and its participants will beerased or otherwise discarded by each of the communication devicesinvolved in the network e.g. communication devices 20 a-20 d and/or anyother communication nodes. Where the ad hoc network is temporarilydisabled, the network can be re-enabled to permit communications betweenmembers of the group. After such communications, the network can againbe terminated temporarily. Typically, at least one of the communicationdevices in the ad hoc network can record information regarding the adhoc network. This information is stored for example in one of thecommunication devices, stored by a supplier of rental communicationdevices, or stored by another service provider such as atelecommunications company, service provider, or other governmental,commercial or non-governmental organization.

Communications that are exchanged using the ad hoc network can also berecorded at the discretion of one or more the members of the ad hocnetwork. This can be done for example, for the purposes of providing arecord of communications made using the network that can be incorporatedinto an output product for example in a scrapbook, commemorative videopresentation or program or audio transcript. In the event that forexample, police personnel arrive at a fire scene and establish an ad hoccommunication, the fire personnel who later arrive at the scene enjoythe ad hoc network can review the communications that the policepersonnel have already had regarding the circumstances and can be in abetter position to determine how to respond to the situation withoutcausing the police personnel to repeat the communications. Such storedcommunications can also be used by accessed by users who join or rejoinan ad hoc network. This is particularly useful in situations where oneor more members of the network cannot monitor communications because ofdistractions, loss of signal, equipment failure or for other reasons.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate the use of one embodiment of the presentinvention as applied in the context of a sporting event such as a soccergame held at a stadium. FIG. 10 shows a method for establishing an adhoc network at an event. FIG. 11 shows an event profile screen whichwill be described in greater detail below. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustratethe operation of a set of three communication devices 20 a, 20 b and 20c used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, three users travel to thestadium to attend the game. User 1 brings communication device 20 a tothe event while user 2 and user 3 rent, or are provided with,communication devices 20 b and 20 c upon arriving at the event (step300). User profile data is entered into communication devices 20 a, 20b, and 20 c in the manner described above (step 302). In this example,user 1 has a user profile that is entered in communication device 20 athat indicates that user 1 does not wish to be added to extendeddistribution lists. User 2 and user 3 have user profiles entered intocommunication devices 20 b and 20 c respectively that indicate that user2 and user 3 wish to be added to extend distribution lists.

An event profile is then entered into each communication device. (step304) An example of an event profile data entry screen is shown in FIG.11. The event profile is used to help define capabilities ofcommunication devices 20 a-20 c that are enabled or disabled by acommunication means such as node 90 at the stadium that is capable ofinteracting with communication devices 20 a-20 c. In the embodimentshown, communication device 20 a is a communication device that isbrought to the game by user 1. Communication device 20 a will thereforehave a set of preferences that define the capabilities of communicationdevice 20 a. Inactive capabilities of communication device 20 a can beactivated. For example, where a cellular telephone or other wirelesscommunication provider charges a premium for the use of advancedfeatures such as streaming video communication, user 1 may disable videotransmission as a regular feature on communication device 20 a becauseof this additional cost. Recognizing this, the stadium may elect toprovide an infrastructure such as an arrangement of intermediarycommunication sites 90 that will support such communications for no costas a benefit for those attending the game.

Accordingly, the event profile screen provides the opportunity for user1 to use video transmission during the event. Alternatively, the stadiummay disable this feature during the game to the extent that this featurecould be used to transmit images of the game to persons who chose not toattend the game. The user would be alerted to this by an indication onthe event profile screen.

The event profile can also be used to allow the each communicationdevice to interact with the event specific services and activities. Forexample, the event profile can be used to designate that the user of acommunication device wishes to use the communication device to orderfood delivery during the event. This designation can trigger the openingof further profile screens that can be used for example, to inputpayment information, seat location and other information useful in thedelivery of the food. The event profile can also be used to designatecommunication content that the user of the communication device wishesto receive from communication systems at the stadium. In the exampleshown in FIG. 12, this information includes instant replay of keyevents. However, this information can include various other types ofdata including but not limited to text based play-by-play announcing,player statistics etc. Although not shown, the event profile can also beused to permit the stadium to transmit software and data to acommunication device that is executable controller 26 in thecommunication device. This allows the stadium to provide customizedcontent, features and interfaces to a communication device. The eventprofile can be pre-programmed into rental communication devices 20 b and20 c.

Once the event profile is entered, user 1, user 2 and user 3 establishan ad hoc network established using communication devices 20 a, 20 b and20 c (step 306). As is shown in FIG. 12 a, the first step in formingthis network occurs as user 1 and user 2 cause contact surfaces 74 a and74 b of communication devices 20 a and 20 b to touch each other. Devices20 a and 20 b register this contact. Each of devices 20 a and 20 bmaintains a distribution list containing addresses associated withcommunication devices that they have registered contact with. When user1 wishes to wishes to communicate with other members of the ad hocnetwork, user 1 puts communication device 20 a into an ad hoccommunication mode. In this mode, communication device 20 a broadcastsall communications to each of the addresses contained in thedistribution list maintained by communication device 20 a. Similarly,when communication devices 20 b is instructed to communicate with othermembers of the ad hoc network, communication device 20 b transmitscommunications to the addresses contained in the distribution listmaintained in communication device 20 b.

As is shown in FIG. 12 b, the ad hoc network is expanded as user 2 anduser 3 bring contact surface 74 b into contact with contact surface 74c—(step 308). When this occurs, the address for communication device 20c is added to be distribution list for communication device 20 b and theaddress for communication device 20 b is added to the distribution listfor communication device 20 c. However, the address for communicationdevice 20 a is not added to the distribution list for communicationdevice 20 c. At this time communication device 20 a can be informed thatcommunication device 20 b has registered contact with communicationdevice 20 c. User 1 can then elect to override the profile entry againstbeing added to extended distribution lists. When this is done to an adhoc network between communication devices 20 a, 20 b and 20 c is formedand the users of communication devices 20 a-20 c can use the network tocommunication—(step 110).

However, user 1 can also elect not to override the profile entry againstbeing added to extended distribution lists. As is shown in FIG. 13,where this is done, communications that are broadcast by communicationdevice 20 c will not be presented by communication device 20 a. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 13 display 42 c presents a set of useridentification images to the user of communication device 20 c.Accordingly, user 3 presses the select button 64. This causes display 42to present identification such as a user name or user identificationimage to designate each person in the ad hoc network. User 3 thenpresses the select button 64, which indicates that the image is to besent to every indicated person. User 3 then points communication device20 c toward the subject of the image and presses the select buttonagain, which causes a live preview image 320 of the scene to bedisplayed on display 42 c of communication device 20 c. When the sceneis properly composed, user 3 can again press the select button to causea matching image 322 of the scene to be transmitted by transceiver 22 cand displayed on display screen 42 b of communication device 20 b.However, the transmitted image of scene 320 is not presented upondisplay screen 42 a of communication device 20 a.

Other forms of communication such as audio and text messaging aretransmitted and received in the same fashion with, communications fromcommunication device 20 c being exchanged only with communication device20 b and not with communication device 20 a. Similarlytelecommunications transmitted by communication device 20 a travel onlyto communication device 20 b and not to communication device 20 c.

Optionally, the users of the network can elect to same the communicationexchanged during a session of use of the ad hoc network—(step 312).

The network can be terminated at the end of the event or it can beterminated by user selection—(step 312). In the case of user 2 and user3 who have rented the device, termination of the network causes userpreferences to be erased thus ensuring the privacy of the previous userwhen the device is next rented. If the network has not been terminatedwhen the device is returned the rental counter, the rental personterminates the network. Upon leaving the event location, any additionalfeatures and any limitations that are placed upon personally owneddevices such as communication device 20 a by the event are removed. Upontermination of the network, saved and other communication can be stored,shared or incorporated into an output.

Multiple simultaneously active ad hoc communication networks can beformed. For example, a group traveling to a soccer field can form afirst network between communication devices 20 a, 20 b, and 20 c asdescribed above. Other communication networks can also be establishedthat include at least one of communication devices 20 a, 20 b and/or 20c. These networks can be formed in the same fashion. For example, a userof communication device 20 a can choose to obtain additional gamecontent by using the methods described above to establish a network witha communication device operated by the stadium. Similarly, a user canidentify herself as a fan of a particular player by registering contactwith a fan club communication device located at the stadium. This allowsa network to be formed between fans of that player. This permits theuser of communication device 20 a and other fans of the player tofurther their interest. The player's fan club database can providecontent to such a network. Further, the event itself can provide contentto the communication devices that have formed a network through the fanclub communication device. Using the methods, systems and communicationdevices described herein, groups can also be joined together to formlarger groups such as where to smaller groups have common interests.

An ad hoc network can also be established between a communication devicesuch as communication device 20 b and a communication device operated byvendors and suppliers at the stadium. This allows the user to privatelyand directly order event related goods and services and to otherwiseinteract with such vendors.

Where multiple communication networks are enabled, user interface 60 caninclude a channel selector allowing the user to conveniently selectbetween networks. The selector can be a job dial or other convenientindicator. Preferably, where multiple networks are enabled, thecommunication device will display images of the user identificationimages or user identification of the members of the network to providevisual assurance as to the recipients of communications transmitted bythe communication device.

In various embodiments described above, communication devices have beenshown as comprising or taking the form of existing communication devicessuch as personal digital assistants and cellular telephone. Such devicescurrently have a predefined set of functions and communicate in awell-established fashion. As is noted above, devices of this type can beadapted to operate in a second mode of operation for communication usingthe ad hoc network. Various components of such devices can be used tosupport communication in both modes. For example, a conventionalcellular telephone antenna can be used as a contact surface, or aconventional transceiver adapted for use in cellular telephonecommunications can be adapted to operate in a mode wherein it permitsdetection of contact between a telephone antenna and a contact surfaceof another device. User interface 60 can be used to instruct controller26 of a communication device 20 as to which mode of operation is to beused.

In addition, various devices such as cellular telephones and personaldigital assistants such as the Visor personal digital assistant, sold byHandspring Corp., Mountain View, Calif., U.S.A., are adapted withmodular input ports that permit modules that add functionality to thedevice to be easily added to and removed from the device. Acommunication device as described herein can comprise any arrangement ofan existing device such as a Visor and a modular attachment providingcomponents or software necessary to adapt the existing device to operatein the manner described herein.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention.

Parts List

-   10 communication system-   20 a communication device-   20 b communication device-   20 c communication device-   20 d communication device-   20 n communication device-   22 radio transceiver-   24 antenna-   26 controller-   28 video communication system-   30 lens system-   32 image sensor-   34 image processor-   36 memory-   40 display driver-   42 video display-   50 audio system-   52 microphone-   54 A/D converter-   56 speaker-   60 user interface-   62 menu button-   64 select button-   70 contact detection system-   72 contact surface-   74 contact circuit-   90 intermediary communication site-   100 method for forming ad hoc network-   110 obtain communication devices step-   114 personalize communication devices step-   118 register contact step-   120 use ad hoc network step-   130 welcome message-   132 instruction message-   134 message 1-   135 preview image of user-   136 message 2-   137 user identification image-   138 message 3-   140 message 4-   142 message 5-   150 first feedback image-   152 progress indicator-   154 image-   200 obtain devices step-   202 personalize devices step-   204 register initial contact step-   206 expand network step-   208 communicate using network step-   210 terminate network step-   300 obtain devices step-   302 personalize communication devices step-   304 enter event profile step-   306 register contact step-   308 expand network step-   310 use network-   312 terminate network step-   320 image of scene-   322 matching image

1. A communication device comprising: a transceiver adapted to send andreceive wireless communication signals; a contact surface; a contactcircuit adapted to detect physical contact of another communicationdevice with said contact surface; and a controller adapted to enablewireless communication only between the communication device anddetected communication devices.